LABOUR MATTERS

Southland Times, Issue 16888, 13 November 1911, Page 5

LABOUR MATTERS

A CHURCHMAN’S VIEW. OF THE INDUSTRIAL SITUATION. [By Telegraph.—Presa Association. —CopyrlgEt.| LONDON, November 11. Received November 12, 5.5 p.m. The Rev. W. P. Inge, Dean of Saint Paul’s, In an address to the Women’s Diocesan Association, declared that democracy was one of the silliest fetishes. The transfer of Industrial wealth to Eastern Asia would prove to . be the certain sequel to the European • Labour .movement. A worse fate would probably befall Australia, which was within easy reach of far more efficient yellow Industries. He was unable to join In the chorus advocating tho churches’ co-operation in the Labour movement. Socialism might suit a country like New Zealand until the British fleet ceased to safeguard it. Then the yellow man would make short work of the pampered trade unionists. MODEL EMPLOYERS’ ULTIMATUM. SITUATION MUST END. LONDON, November 11. Received November 12, 5.5 p.m. Lord Ashton, employing thousands of people In linoleum manufacture In Lancaster,- has notified his employees that if all are not satisfied they must as he would rather close, his works permanently than advance wages at present. If the works are closed owing to railway and boal strikes no wages will bo paid, and only loyal men will be kept on when trade is bad. 1 He is determined to end the present intolerable situation* regardless of cost. Lord Ashton is regarded as a modtl employer, and contributes enormous sums to local benefactions. ’ Leading members of the Labour party regret that Lord Ashton has been described as their robber. Mr J. R. ClyneS (Labour M.P. for N.E. Manchester), states that Lord Ashton’s sympathy tot trade unionists is well-known. WOOL SCOURERS CALLED OUT. SYDNEY, November 12. Received November 12, 5.5 p.m. Employees at four wool scouring works at Bptany. have struck. Eight hundred men were out at 2 p.m. In other works where higher wages are paid the call out was ignored. Trouble has been brewing for some time. A Wages Board has been constituted, but so far with no practical effect. , ■ ' ’ SYDNEY WHARF STRIKE, HOW MATTERS STAND. SYDNEY. November 11. The trouble over the overtime question has interfered with the appointment of the Board, as directed by Mr Carmichael last week to deal with the ■wharf labourers' strike. Mr Carmlshael states that he has got the parties so far in agreement that they are willing • to submit certain matters in dispute to the ■tribunal. The appointment of the Board has therefore been ordered. It will probably be constituted on Monday. A meeting of shipowners decided ■to ignore tho men’s action in knocking oft at 5 o'clock. TlVey are determined to stand by the agreement pending the Court’s inquiry. Meantime if the men remain recalcitrant no overtime work will be done. The steamship, owners and the Wharf Labourers’ Union have nominated representatives to the proposed Board. On behalf of the former counsel argued that no genuine* dispute existed. ' A section of the waterside workers got out ! iof hand and wanted to over-ride notonly employers but their own officials. He suggested that if the matter was allowed to come to a vote the trouble might be overcome. LATEST DETAILS. SYDNEY. Nov. I*. Received November 13. 1.15 a.m. Strike matters' are quiet The Adelaide flerppany’s gates were opened yesterday, but -no workers appeared. It is "understood (that the men are boycotting the company out of resentment over the closing of the gates on the previous day. At all other wharves the men worked overtime, on. Saturday afternoon. HOSPITAL NURSES STRIKE. ADELAIDE, November 11. Recently three hospital nurses were dismissed for refusing to work under a certain sister, and other nurses supported them. Yesterday eighty-one nurses were suspended. A special meeting of the Board was held, and the nurses were Informed that they had laid themselves open to instant dismissal. They still definitely refused to take duty under the unpopular sister. They were later informed that the Board did not insist on them working under the sister, and they thereupon resumed work. SYDNEY BAKERS’ STRIKE. SYDNEY, November 11. Mr Carmichael will appoint A Board to inquire into the bakers' trouble. THE LITHGOW TROUBLE. SYDNEY, November 11. The supply of imported iron is e3Bhausted. The employees of Mr Hoskins’ Sydney pipe foundry have refused to handle Lithgow iron produced by nonunionists, and the foundry has been closed. REFUSAL TO LOAD COAL. November 11. The lumpers decline to handle a quantity of coal from the Scottish cooperative collieries for the steamer Uganda, because the coal Is "nonunionist.’’ To prevent further trouble the- agents removed the coal from the wharf. SETTLING MOUNT LYELL STRIKE MELBOURNE, November 11. The Mount Lyell Conference adopted a provisional agreement ■ providing for a conference with the men a month after the resumption of work, the creation of a grievance committee, recognition of the Union and the eight hour principle. It is hoped the agreement will be signed to-day, and the strike declared off. AGREEMENT SIGNED. ‘ MELBOURNE, Nov. 12. Received November 13, 1.15 a.m. The resumed Mount Lyell conference resulted in tbe signing of the agreement previously cabled. The strike was declared off and the men will sign on on Monday and resume work on Thursday. The dismissed man White will fight his own case in the Courts. ADVANCING WAGES. LONDON. November 10. The Lancashire - Yorkshire Railway Company is advancing the wages of lower, grade workers and clerks. MINERS’ DEMANDS. LONDON, November 10. The Northumberland miners’ executive has decided to support a national strike to enforce the granting of a minimum wage.